Our Legacy in Los Angeles Tilework – A Living Piece of LA History

What began as a small tile operation in Southern California has become one of Los Angeles’ most storied and resilient tile businesses. With roots dating back to the mid-20th century, our legacy is built on craftsmanship, character – and a passion for preserving the unique heritage of West Coast tilemaking.

The story begins with Balka and Ward, who laid the groundwork for B&W Tile. After the founding years, Ernest Logan acquired the business and turned it into a regional cornerstone. Ernest’s sons, Joe and Ralph, took the reins in the 1960s and expanded operations across California and beyond – into Riverside, San Bernardino, Westminster, and even Texas. They salvaged molds and tiles from historic brands like Redondo, Tropico, Cambridge (Ohio), and Huntington Tile, helping preserve designs that otherwise might have been lost to time.

Our unmatched collection of vintage tiles includes discontinued B&W styles and rare pieces from over 100 tile companies dating as far back as the 1930s. From the elusive 4 1/4" formats to the famously inconsistent color variations of B&W, our inventory is a time capsule for tile lovers, preservationists, and restoration experts across the U.S.

In 2017, American Tilemakers acquired the Gardena building and B&W Tile – but struggled to maintain operations. By late 2019, the company was on the verge of closing. That’s when new leadership stepped in with a commitment to revive and reimagine the brand. Through strategic changes, we stabilized the business – just in time to face the unexpected: a devastating fire in 2021 that destroyed key equipment and facilities.

Rather than walk away, we made a bold decision. We acquired the business and moved it to a new home in North Hollywood, where we continue the tradition with our passionate, experienced team. Through it all – COVID, relocation, and rebuilding – we’ve remained committed to our mission: keeping the art of tile alive in Los Angeles.

Today, B&W Tile is proud to remain a family-run business, with the next generation stepping in to learn the trade. We continue to serve homeowners, designers, and contractors across Los Angeles and nationwide – providing expert tile matching, vintage restoration, and timeless designs.